WALVIS BAY – Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader Panduleni Itula has warned Namibians to brace for an onslaught of smear campaigns and propaganda as the country approaches the much-anticipated elections next Wednesday.
Itula, who is adamant that he will be sworn in as the next president of Namibia after the elections, was addressing hundreds of supporters during the party’s ‘Go Out and Vote’ campaign in Walvis Bay yesterday.
Addressing the large crowd after a parade through the streets of this coastal town, he accused political opponents of resorting to unethical tactics to tarnish his image and undermine the IPC’s credibility, citing allegations of his party having foreign
backing from Britain as an example.
These attacks will intensify as he and his party prepare to take over from President Nangolo Mbumba to lead Namibia, he added.
“It will get tough, as we get closer to the elections. Protect yourselves by staying home. The smear campaigns will start. Propaganda will spread, and even the government-controlled media will be weaponised against us,” Itula told his audience.
He said detractors were already fabricating stories about his character and relationships in an attempt to discredit him ahead of the polls. Addressing claims that he mistreated family members, the IPC leader dismissed allegations that he chased siblings from their family home as being baseless and malicious.
“These are brothers I brought up myself. I held them on my lap, cooked for them, and ironed their school uniforms. Yet, they claim I chased them out of our home. How much more can you be lied to?” he questioned.
He also urged his supporters to safeguard their dignity by avoiding situations which could be exploited by rivals, and to remain focused on the party’s mission to bring meaningful change to Namibia.
The IPC leader then criticised ruling party politicians, accusing them of manipulating State resources to sway voters. He pointed to a sudden surge in the allocation of social grants, describing it as a strategic move to win votes amongst vulnerable communities.
“After 34 years of failing to address poverty, they now find money to distribute social grants ahead of the elections. But my people, do not sell your votes for short-term gains. Namibia’s future is not for sale,” Itula said.
He added that these sudden gestures of generosity are clear signs of desperation, underscoring the need for Namibians to elect leaders committed to long-term
development rather than temporary appeasements.
He furthermore advised voters to be discerning, and to reject attempts to buy their loyalty. “We must protect the dignity of this nation, and vote for real change. Namibia deserves better,” he continued.
Inclusive government
He said an IPC government would not only include members of his party, but also incorporate individuals from other political parties, provided they are free of corruption.
The politician reaffirmed his commitment to serving all Namibians regardless of race, tribe or social status, promising that an IPC-led government would prioritise inclusivity, justice and constitutional governance.
“Namibia shall come first, and the rest will follow. On the day I am sworn in, I will commit to protecting your rights and defending the Constitution as the supreme law of the land,” declared Itula.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na